With a whole new theme park opening up in Orlando with Epic Universe, Universal Studios Resorts is making a bold bid for the crown of best fan destinations. (The Mouse claims not to be worried.) And Universal’s plans go beyond Florida. Universal Studios Hollywood is getting a One Piece takeover and AREA15 in Las Vegas is set to open Horror Unleashed—where spooky season will be in full force year-round.
And with Wicked Part Two opening in theaters next year and the demand to see more of Elphaba and Glinda in the parks (Universal soft-tested character appearances… for one weekend only), we wouldn’t count out more Oz magic too.
Here are five things that make us excited for 2025 at Universal Studios!
Epic Universe at the Universal Studios Orlando Resort
The biggest opening? Universal’s whole new theme park. It will feature portals inspired by the Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragon (in time for next summer’s live-action movie release), Super Nintendo World, Wizarding World’s Ministry of Magic, and the Universal Monsters Dark Universe, with state of the art attractions and immersive experiences. Some attractions will be completely new, like the Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe rides. Fans are also getting some really great exports from Asia, including Universal Beijing’s Untrainable show, and Universal Japan’s Donkey Kong Country. Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025.
Mine Cart Madness at Donkey Kong Country in Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World
While Universal Studios Hollywood got a mini Super Nintendo World, Epic Universe is getting the full-sized version, just like Universal Studios Japan. We’re most excited for the Mine Cart Madness coaster, which will feature off-the-track thrills and more Donkey Kong characters abounding.
Universal Monsters Animatronics at the Dark Universe in Epic Universe
It’s totally not weird to be in love with the very well articulated and scarily lifelike Universal Monsters animatronics featured around the Dark Universe in attractions like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Not weird at all… nope… totally would not be okay with them reaching sentience and stepping on our necks in a robot uprising.
Universal Horror Unleashed in AREA15 in Las Vegas
Sin City’s immersive experience destination AREA15 is about to get even more thrilling with Universal Horror Unleashed, a collaboration between the participatory entertainment hub and Universal. The space will bring chills and curated horror experiences all year round featuring major titles from Universal Pictures, Blumhouse, and Monkeypaw—even the theme parks’ own original haunt IP from Halloween Horror Nights.
One Piece Fan Fest Night at Universal Studios Hollywood
The Straw Hat gang makes their way to the West Coast at Universal Studios Hollywood with a special night celebrating One Piece with entertainment, limited-time merch, and dining offerings. We’re hoping the Waterworld overlay show from Japan’s seasonal One Piece Premier Summer event (see a clip of it via the TDR Explorer YouTube) makes it way to Hollywood for some pirate fun and immersive experiences. One Piece is just part of the Fan Fest Nights series, which will feature after-hours events celebrating other fandoms like Back to the Future and Nintendo. Let’s hope Universal adds a Wicked night too!
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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